Justin Sane
From Punkopedia - The Punk, Hardcore, and Indie Encyclopedia
| [[Image:|200px]] | |
| Homebase | Pittsburgh, PA |
| Born | February 21, 1973 |
| Website | |
|
| |
Justin Geever (born February 21, 1973) is the guitarist and singer/songwriter (along with bassist Chris Barker) of the political punk-rock band Anti-Flag. He plays LesPaul-type ESP/LTD guitars.
Contents |
[edit] Biography
Early life Sane was the youngest of nine kids in a working class family, and cites his parents as one of his inspirations. They opened the first vegetarian restaurant in Pittsburgh, inspiring Justin to become a vegetarian, a lifestyle he continues to this day. As a kid he saw his parents participate in rallies, and as he got older he participated. Sane’s sister Lucy gave him his first guitar which got him into punk rock and hardcore. The first song Sane wrote was about a kid overdosing, and his second was about TV evangelists. Sane, as well as the other members of Anti-Flag, all follow the rationale of straight edge but do not label themselves straight edge. This came about not from a religious stand point but rather from his younger years surrounded by drug use of his peers.
Career
In 1993, Justin Geever formed Anti-Flag with childhood friend Pat Thetic, and bassist/vocalist Andy Flag. In 1996 they released their first CD “Die for the Government”. After several American tours Andy Flag left the band due to personal disputes in 1996. Various individuals entered the band from 97-98 when they finally found their permanent line-up: Justin Sane as Guitarist/vocalist, Pat Thetic as the drummer, Chris Head as lead Guitarist/backing vocals, and finally Chris Barker (aka #2) as the bassist/second vocalist. 1998 was also the year they released their second CD “Their System Doesn't Work For You.” In 1999 Anti-Flag released their third CD “A New Kind Of Army” and opened their own label, AF Records. In 2001 they signed to Fat Wreck Chords. “Underground Network” debuted that same year, the album considered by many to be their most accomplished to date. Mobilize was released the following year. They then released a split CD with Bouncing Souls in 2002. 2003 saw the release of The Terror State, produced by Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine. Anti-flag's first DVD “Death of a Nation” come about in 2004. Its focus was the live performances of the preceding year. It also contained two music videos and an interview with the band. In 2006 they released their latest CD “For Blood and Empire” on RCA Records. A lot of fans were skeptical of the new record label, though the album was well received.
Education
Sane graduated from high school in Pittsburgh and attended the University of Pittsburgh, majoring in Communications and minoring in political science.
Solo Work
When Sane does not play in Anti-Flag, he works on his own solo projects, such as Life, Love, and the Pursuit of Justice released in 2003, as well as a 6 track EP These are the Days., released in 2001. In his solo project he diverts his focus to love, family, and more everyday concepts, rather than the politically charged stance of Anti-Flag.
[edit] Projects
- Die for the Government (1996)
- North America Sucks (1998)
- Their System Doesn't Work for You (1998)
- A New Kind of Army (1999)
- Underground Network (2001)
- Mobilize (2002)
- BYO Split Series 4 - Bouncing Souls/Anti-Flag (2002)
- The Terror State (2003)
For Blood and Empire (2006) Solo:
- Life, Love and the Pursuit of Justice (2002)
- These are the Days EP (2002)
